Important Viva Questions Asked Repeatedly in 1st Year BHMS Exams
(An Examiner-Focused Preparation Guide)
Introduction
For first-year BHMS students, viva voce is often more frightening than theory or practical exams. Not because questions are difficult, but because students do not know what examiners actually want. Every year, the same core concepts are tested again and again, yet many students walk into viva unprepared, nervous, and confused.
The truth is simple: BHMS viva is highly repetitive and pattern-based. Examiners rarely ask random or advanced questions from first-year students. They test fundamental understanding, clarity of concepts, and confidence.
This article covers important viva questions repeatedly asked in 1st-year BHMS exams, subject-wise, with preparation tips and examiner expectations. If prepared properly, this list alone can help you pass viva comfortably and even score distinction-level marks.
How Examiners Conduct 1st Year BHMS Viva
Before diving into questions, you must understand the examiner’s mindset.
Examiners assess:
Conceptual clarity (not memorization)
Basic medical vocabulary
Logical thinking
Confidence and honesty
They are not trying to fail you. They want to see whether you are safe to progress to clinical subjects.
Common examiner behavior:
Start with simple definitions
Move to basic applications
Stop asking if answers are confused or unsafe
👉 Rule: One clear answer is better than three half-correct answers.
Anatomy Viva Questions (Frequently Asked)
Core Definition Questions
What is anatomy?
Define gross anatomy.
What is histology?
What is embryology?
👉 Examiner expects one-line textbook definitions, not explanations.
Osteology (Very High Priority)
These questions are almost guaranteed.
Identify this bone.
Side determination of long bone.
Name the parts of a long bone.
What type of bone is this?
Nutrient foramen—definition and importance.
Muscle attachment on this bone.
Applied anatomy of fracture of this bone.
👉 Tip: If you identify the bone correctly, 60% marks are secured.
Histology
Identify the slide.
Characteristic features of the slide.
Function of this tissue.
One clinical condition related to it.
👉 Speak slowly. Mention 2–3 key features only.
Embryology
What is fertilization?
What is implantation?
What is gastrulation?
Layers formed during gastrulation.
One congenital anomaly related to this organ.
👉 Do not go deep. Examiners want basic developmental logic.
Physiology Viva Questions (Repeated Every Year)
General Physiology
Define physiology.
What is homeostasis?
What is feedback mechanism?
Types of feedback.
👉 Always give example if asked about mechanism.
Blood (Extremely Important)
Composition of blood.
Functions of blood.
Normal hemoglobin value.
Normal RBC count.
Normal WBC count.
What is anemia?
Types of anemia.
What is blood group?
👉 Normal values are mandatory. Forgetting them irritates examiners.
Also Read - How to Study Organon of Medicine in BHMS: Smart Strategy to Score High Without Memorization
Cardiovascular System
Define blood pressure.
Normal blood pressure.
What is pulse?
Cardiac cycle definition.
Heart sounds.
👉 Speak confidently. CV questions are basic but frequent.
Respiratory System
What is respiration?
Types of respiration.
Normal respiratory rate.
Tidal volume.
What is vital capacity?
Digestive System
What is digestion?
Functions of saliva.
Functions of liver.
Functions of bile.
What is absorption?
Nervous System
Neuron definition.
Parts of neuron.
Reflex arc.
Types of reflexes.
👉 Drawing reflex arc mentally helps you explain clearly.
Biochemistry Viva Questions (Concept-Based)
Basic Biochemistry
Define biochemistry.
What are carbohydrates?
What are proteins?
What are lipids?
Biological importance of carbohydrates.
👉 Avoid chemical formulas unless asked.
Enzymes (Very Important)
What is an enzyme?
Characteristics of enzymes.
Factors affecting enzyme activity.
What is inhibition?
Vitamins
What are vitamins?
Fat-soluble vitamins.
Water-soluble vitamins.
Deficiency disease of vitamin A/D/C/B12.
👉 One vitamin = one deficiency = one symptom.
Carbohydrate Metabolism
What is glycolysis?
Site of glycolysis.
Importance of glycolysis.
What is glycogen?
Lipid & Protein Metabolism
What is cholesterol?
What is ketosis?
What are amino acids?
Essential amino acids.
Community Medicine (If Included in 1st Year)
What is health?
Definition of disease.
Levels of prevention.
Primary health care.
Doctor-patient relationship.
👉 Answers should be simple and socially relevant.
Homeopathic Pharmacy Viva Questions
What is pharmacy?
Source of drugs in homeopathy.
What is potentization?
Why trituration is done?
Difference between mother tincture and potency.
👉 Examiners love definitions from Organon-aligned logic.
Common Cross-Subject Viva Questions
These are asked when examiner wants to test integration.
Difference between anatomy and physiology.
Difference between normal and abnormal value.
Clinical importance of hemoglobin.
Why blood grouping is important?
Why enzymes are important in body?
Mistakes Students Make in Viva (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Over-explaining
Examiner asks definition
Student gives lecture
Examiner interrupts → negative impression
✔ Give exact answer only
Mistake 2: Guessing Wrong Answers
Wrong confident answer is worse than saying:
“I am not able to recall at the moment.”
✔ Honesty saves marks.
Mistake 3: Arguing with Examiner
Never contradict examiner even if you are correct.
✔ Accept correction politely.
Mistake 4: Poor Body Language
Looking down
Fidgeting
Whispering
✔ Sit straight. Speak clearly.
How to Prepare Smartly for 1st Year BHMS Viva
1. Prepare Definitions First
Every subject starts with definitions.
2. Memorize Normal Values
Physiology and biochemistry demand this.
3. Focus on Repetition
Questions asked once are asked again.
4. Practice Speaking
Viva is about verbal clarity, not writing.
5. Revise Daily, Not Night Before
15–20 questions per day is enough.
Final Advice from an Examiner’s Perspective
First-year BHMS viva is not about brilliance.
It is about foundation, discipline, and clarity.
If you:
Know basic definitions
Understand simple mechanisms
Speak honestly and confidently
You will never fail viva.
Conclusion
The questions listed in this article represent the most frequently asked viva questions in 1st-year BHMS exams across universities. Preparing these thoroughly gives you a strong safety net and reduces exam fear significantly.
Master the basics, respect the examiner, and remember:
Viva is a conversation, not an interrogation.
